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Italica (Sevilla) or Medina al-Zahra (Cordoba)

Italica (Sevilla) or Medina al-Zahra (Cordoba)

Old Jul 21st, 2017, 04:39 AM
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Italica (Sevilla) or Medina al-Zahra (Cordoba)

I would like to see both of these but most likely can't fit both into schedule. I note that the main building with all the exquisite carving is closed for refurbishing at Medina al-Zahra. I realize they are also incomparable with regards to age and history, but if you have seen both, do you recommend one over the other?
Thanks.
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Old Jul 21st, 2017, 06:00 AM
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Italica is only 1/2 hour local bus ride from Seville.
We did not expect such an interesting place .
Highly recommended ,especially if you like Roman history.
( not familiar with Medina )
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Old Jul 21st, 2017, 07:59 AM
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Thanks Danon. Yes, Italica looks very interesting - all those mosaics. However, I can't believe they aren't covered! Of course, they have lasted 2000 years so far LOL.
The Medina is very large site outside of Cordoba and of Moorish history, so different eras but also interesting.
I guess I'll have to keep working at fitting both in. I think these quieter, outdoor sites will be a good change from all the interiors I'll be visiting.
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Old Jul 21st, 2017, 09:26 AM
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Like danon, have been only to Italica and second the recommendation. Easy access and interesting to see.
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Old Jul 21st, 2017, 04:48 PM
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Having seen neither, I should probably refrain from commenting. That said, you might want to consider whether you are likely to see similar things elsewhere on future trips. There are so many Roman remnants scattered throughout Europe – and beyond! – that I might make Italica a lower priority unless I was certain that I would have plenty of time for things that I want to see in the area and am less likely to see elsewhere. I don’t believe either is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but Cordoba is on that list, and not just for the Mezquita, but for the historic center of that city. I know that I found more than enough in Cordoba to keep my fully occupied for 2 full days. YMMV.

Hope that helps!
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Old Jul 22nd, 2017, 03:49 AM
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Kja, well, I thought I had given myself sufficient time in Cordoba originally, the the Medina came to light. I don't see anything similar on my areas of travel, and it does add to the Moorish theme I seem to have going. I have no idea if there are similar sites around, even. Trying to fit it in, however, takes from Sevilla and/or Toledo, so thus my dilemma. Italica? Yes, it seems there may be other larger sites possible.
You know how it is. One has a rough short list of things to see and then makes accommodation and travel schedules. Then the fine tuning reveals shortened winter hours of operation, closed days, repairs, extra places of interest....then decisions have to be made and they are not always easy or pleasant.
I may recommend to people to plan as if it won't be their only trip to a place, but at 60 and a single wage earner, I have to treat every overseas trip as a one and only.....so I am selfish
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Old Jul 22nd, 2017, 04:06 AM
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We visited Italica on our second stay in Seville...
It is not one of those " must sees",
but if it fits your schedule and interest, it is worth several hours.
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Old Jul 22nd, 2017, 06:13 AM
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I'm selfish, too, and I plan ALL of my trips as though they will be my last. For me, that includes checking hours, planning for travel time, etc., BEFORE I finalize my itinerary. And even so, it's not uncommon to end up with difficult choices. I think it's part and parcel of going to a fascinating area. JMO. You'll have a great trip no matter what you choose!
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